Jumpstart to Engineering Class Syllabus

Instructor: Mr. Harte Room: 1113 Best Time to Contact: Lunch, or after school E-Mail: · harted@luhsd.net Credit: 10 Elective Credits (UC a-g approved) Prerequisites: None, Recommend Algebra 1, and Basic Electronics

OVERVIEW This is an introductory class designed to provide students the chance to explore the connections and relevance ofscience, engineering and technology in society. Engineering is applying science and math to solve problems, create new things and improve our society. The class will focus on the different fields of engineering and what engineers do in the real world. The goal of this class is to learn about engineering by actually becoming engineers-designing and building things! Most of our time will be spent working hands-on building a wide range ofprojects, sometimes from scratch and sometimes from kits. The projects we design and build will require understanding of certain scientific and engineering concepts, which students will learn. Students will often use computer design and simulation programs to help in the process ofbuilding successful projects. Students will also see the importance of math, as we frequently use mathematical problem solving skills to help in the design and analysis ofour projects. Engineers often work in teams, and this class will also emphasize the importance of team work when working on projects. ·

Class Outline: These are the major topics we will cover. Each topic will have one or more major projects, as indicated. In each unit we will also explore current trends and important historical information related to each project. Careers in different engineering fields will be discussed as well.

1. Introduction to Engineering: 9-Step Engineering Design Algorithm 2. Civil and Structural Engineering: Bridge Building 3. Aeronautical Engineering : Airplanes / Rockets 4. Electrical Engineering and Robotics: Boe-Bots 5. Mechanical Engineering: Lego Labs, and "Rube Goldberg" Machines

Supplies: The following is a list of the items you should have for this class: • Notebook or binder with pockets to store papers • Writing utensils (pens, pencils) • Calculator (scientific) • Occasional project resources you are asked to bring from home when

needed--This won't be anything hard to get, just things like batteries for robots, or glue for bridge building. There is a "wish list" on the board for things we need and you will receive extra credit for donating these items.

Lab Donation: Schools can no longer legally charge a lab fee for any class. This is bad news for elective classes. We are still asking for donations to fund this class-anything you can afford will be appreciated, and will go directly into an account to purchase supplies for the students. The previous fee was $25, which is about how much is spent on each student over the year. The "donation" of $25 for the year will provide funds to purchase supplies for this class. There are many items we need to build our projects: building supplies (glue, paint, wood, etc.), rocket kits, rocket engines, airplane kits, electronic parts for robots, and much more. Students will get to keep some of the projects when done (rockets and planes for example). If you have not donated at walk-through, it would be great if you could send funds ASAP with your student (which can be paid at the student store-there is an account set up for engineering). Your support is very important and much appreciated!!!

Types of Assignments: As previously indicated, projects are the single biggest thing in this class. However, students will need to learn some basics before and during each project so there will be lecturing and note taking, power point presentations, practice problems, internet research,

computer simulations, worksheets, videos, etc. We will also start out each class with a "question of the day" (QD), that we answer together to review or learn a new concept. There MAY occasionally be a short quiz to make sure students are doing their work and paying attention in class.

Projects: Engineers almost always work in teams, so students in this class will usually work in groups of two, although sometimes students will work alone or in bigger groups. The design objectives for each project will be thoroughly explained before we start. Grades will be based on effort and successful (and timely) completion. Performance objectives will also be tested on most projects--for example the bridge must have a certain strength to weight ration to get an "A". All projects will have a due date, so if students find they are behind, they are always welcome to come in and work outside ofclass time as long as it is prearranged. For the most part, projects will all be done at school, and some may take as long as 6 weeks to complete. It is important that students put thought and effort into the paper work component of the projects-this usually includes designs (blueprints, etc), data and analysis of the project.

E1nployabiJity: Another goal of this class is to learn and practice "soft skills". These are skills that are needed to be an effective employee in the work world. As mentioned above, projects are the biggest part of this class, and to complete these projects successfully, in addition to understanding the engineering concepts, students will need to practice these soft skills. It is important that you stay on task, work cooperatively in your teams, follow directions and obey classroom rules (see below). Employability will be 15% of your total grade, based on the total number of possible points at the end of each quarter. You will get anywhere from 0-100% of these points. If you come to class on time, work productively, and follow the rules you will be assured 100%.

Homework: Homework will not be assigned daily, but will be an important part of this class. There is no text book for this class and since it is an elective, the intent is not to make homework "busy work". When homework is assigned, it may involve doing some research work for our current topic or project, designing (and maybe building) something or creating an informative poster.

Grades: Each assignment will be worth a certain number of points depending on what it is. The following percentages (approximately) determine your grade based on the total number of points you accumulate:

Projects: 60%, Employablity: 15°/4 Class Work (including QD's) / Homework: 25%

CLASS PROCEDURES/RULES

Question of the Day {OD) Each day when you come into the class, there will be a question on the monitor or screen for you to fQQY_and answer. You will get a form every 2 weeks to fill these out on and after the 2 weeks is over, you will turn it in for points. In addition, you will receive a stamp for extra credit on any question that you can correctly answer frrst when called on.

TARDIES: Don't be late to class! If you come in late without a pass, you will be sent back to the office to get one and that will automatically cause a detention to be assigned.

FOOD/DRINKS/HATS/ELECTRONICS and RULES Remember this is an elective class and the assumption is that you want to be here. Therefore the expectations are high that you will work hard and be a conscientious student. Class rules are posted and you are expected to follow them, as well as the school-wide rules. No food or drinks are allowed other than bottled water. Phones and other electronic devices must be off and put away at the beginning of class-this includes headphones. During instructional time, phones that are used in class will be confiscated and sent to the building VP. There will be times it will be ok to use your phone-Mr. Harte will indicate this, but if you are unsure, ask for permission first.

Final Words: I started the engineering program at Freedom High School 16 years ago and the program has continued to evolve over the years to make it more relevant and engaging. My goal is to expose students to engineering, and design experiences for them that will motivate some students to purse engineering in college. Since this class is still evolving, some things will go well and some won't. Some years we have to switch projects due to time and supply constraints.. I ask that you have an open mind and be patient when things don't go well, and I would also appreciate feedback and constructive criticism-if you particularly like or dislike something, please let me know.

Let's have a great year!

Mr. Harte

Please share the information in this syllabus with your parents or guardian, and have them sign on the next page-return this next class for 10 Points!

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